Opening night event
Thursday 9 May, 6pm - 8pm
30 Royal Parade Parkville
Free entry
No RSVP required, all are welcome
She Who Persists
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May 2024 - April 2025
Historically textiles and craftwork were largely regarded as a form of domestic ‘women’s work’, which refers to the often undervalued, unpaid jobs and chores stereotypically associated with, or assigned to women. However, feminist discourse and the inclusion of textile art into the contemporary arts sphere has led to a new appreciation for textile works made by women.
Statistics show almost half (45%) of Australian women have experienced a mental health challenge at some point in their lifetime. Both within and outside of cultural and artistic institutions there are compelling examples of how women have found solace, healing, self-expression and connection through craft and textile-based practices.
Spanning over 70 years, She Who Persists shares artworks and stories of women’s mental health experiences and the innovative, creative, and resourceful ways they have engaged with craft and textiles to manage and persevere through adversity and challenges.
Including works rarely shown from the Cunningham Dax Collection, She Who Persists showcases the power of tactile activities to provide a means of stress reduction, self-expression and connection with others, which can help to support mental wellbeing amidst challenging times. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the intricate tapestry of women’s experiences with mental health.
Creative Sanctuary
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In a world that can feel overwhelming at times there is a place that exists within us all that can offer respite, renewal, and hope. Creativity is a portal to the realm of the imagination, through it we can find solace, inspiration or be transported to faraway places.
By engaging in a creative act, in whatever form that may take, we can access an inner world which allows us to connect with ourselves deeply and honestly, explore our potential, discover new and different ways to express ourselves and bring our dreams and ideas to life.
Through creativity, as a viewer or maker, we can be transported to incredible places - places we have been, places we would like to go or places we can only imagine.
Creativity can be a sanctuary, every brushstroke, note, word or movement can be a meditation and a celebration of our own creative potential.
Featuring paintings, drawings and sculptures, Creative Sanctuary showcases eight artists from the Cunningham Dax Collection who have found solace and inspiration in their own creative sanctuaries. Their works invite us to step into their world and experience the power of creativity to transform, transport and heal.
Exhibiting Artists: Isabella Duncan, Jacqueline King, Carla Krijt, Emma Mcvoy, Rosa Niran, NEG, Renee Sutton and Elizabeth Turnbull
Artwork: Isabella Duncan, Ophelia, 1998, acrylic on canvas, 175 x 144 cm. From the Cunningham Dax Collection
Opening hours
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You are welcome to view our exhibitions during gallery opening hours, there is no need to book and entry is free. For groups and guided tour enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find out more about our learning programs
Gallery open hours:
Wednesday to Friday - 11.00am to 3.30pm
30 Royal Parade, Parkville
The Dax Centre acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country. The Dax Centre values diversity. We are committed to proving a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
© The Dax Centre. All rights reserved.
SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.
Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.